Thermo question - final mass/entropy generation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a thermodynamics scenario where an insulated tank is filled with air from a supply line and subsequently cooled by a heat sink. The main questions pertain to determining the final mass of air in the tank and the entropy generated during the cooling process.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the ideal gas law to find the final mass of air and explore the implications of mixing initial and final state conditions. There are attempts to calculate entropy change using different equations, with some questioning the appropriateness of the chosen equations for an ideal gas.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the equations to use and have pointed out potential errors in the original poster's calculations. There is ongoing exploration of the correct approach to calculating entropy and the implications of the results, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using consistent state conditions when calculating properties and express uncertainty about the correct application of thermodynamic principles. There is also mention of using specific heat capacities and the need for clarity in the definitions of variables used in the calculations.

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Homework Statement


An insulated and initially empty 0.7m^3 tank is connected by a valve to a line flowing air at 50degreesC and 200kPa. The valve is opened until the tank is filled, and then the valve is closed. The insulation is then removed from the tank, and a 20degreeC heat sink cools the tank until the air inside reaches a temperature of 30degreesC. 1) What is the final mass of air in the tank? 2) How much entropy is generated during the cooling of the tank?


Homework Equations


1)
PV=mRT
2)
S2-S1=Cp*ln(T2/T1)-R*ln(P2/P1)
m(s2-s1)=Integral(dQ/T)+S-gen

The Attempt at a Solution


1) I tried figuring out the final temperature, and since V and R are constant, I got P2=P1*T2/T1=200kPa*303K/323K=187.62kPa. I then used this P to get m=PV/RT. So m=(187.62*0.7)/(0.287*323)=1.417kg.. Is this right?
2) Using the first equation, I get 1.004*ln(303/323)-0.287*ln(187.62/200)=-0.0458.. But this is wrong right since it shouldn't be negative?
Then I try putting it into the second equation, 1.417*-0.0458 - Integral(dQ/303)=S-gen.. but I don't know how to do the Integral and dQ part... any help? THANKS!
 
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well since no one else is helping, I'll take a stab, but in the buyer beware category, i know very little about thermo.

I believe its negative because it is cooler, and altho under less pressure, the temperature difference is dominant. It may be that the question is asking about what entropy must have been generated in the surroundings to accomplish this which would then be >=0.0458 depending on efficiency. integral dQ here becomes deltaQ i believe.
 
In 1), your equation for m contains a final state pressure and an initial state temperature. You can compute the mass in either the initial state or final state - but you can't mix and match numbers between the two. For 2), why not just do it in terms of the heat capacity at constant volume? Why bring pressure in at all? Oh, it would also be nice if you could be more complete about including units on quantities.
 
Dick said:
In 1), your equation for m contains a final state pressure and an initial state temperature. You can compute the mass in either the initial state or final state - but you can't mix and match numbers between the two. For 2), why not just do it in terms of the heat capacity at constant volume? Why bring pressure in at all? Oh, it would also be nice if you could be more complete about including units on quantities.

Dick and Denver! Thanks so much for responding! I really appreciate it...

For 1).. I accidentally put in T1! Oops!
P2 = P1*T2/T1 = 200kPa*303K/323K = 187.62kPa
So it should be (187.62kPa*0.7m^3)/(0.287kJ/kg-K*303K) = 1.51kg.

2)
Do you mean the equation s2-s1=C*ln(T2/T1)? I have that down as entropy change for a liquid or solid.
For an ideal gas (air), I have
s2-s1 =
Cp (specific heat) * ln(T2/T1) - R * ln(P2/P1)
or
Cv (specific heat) * ln(T2/T1) + R * ln(v2/v1)

So I used the first one since I have P. Is my logic completely off? :\
 
Well, either your logic is off, or it's been too long since I've done thermodynamics. But look at your second form. v2=v1. ln(1)=0.
 
Dick said:
Well, either your logic is off, or it's been too long since I've done thermodynamics. But look at your second form. v2=v1. ln(1)=0.

OMG Dick! Congrats on 1000 posts! :) :!) Haha..

Anyways.. you're right.. I was using the constant pressure equation (boy, do I feel stupid.. although I already do after putting the wrong T in the first post).. ok.. I totally understand now.. I think.. here's my work -

After I get m = 1.51 kg from part 1 -

I get s2-s1 = Cv*ln(T2/T1) + R*ln(v2/v1) = 0.717kj/kg-K * ln(303K/323K) + R*0
= -0.04583 kJ/kg-K

I also need to get 1Q2. I use 1Q2 = 1W2 + m*(u2-u1) = 0 + 1.51kg*(216.52-230.887) = -21.694 kJ. I got the u2-u1 from interpolating using a chart of ideal-gas properties of air.

Then I plug them into the equation with s-gen. So
s-gen = m(s2-s1) - 1Q2/T-source = 1.51kg * -0.04583 kJ/kg-K - (-21.694 kJ)/(20+273.15) = 0.00484kJ/K!

OMG, I think I did it correctly!
 
Good job! Then that was a worthwhile 1000th post. Thanks!
 

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